Ok so my house is bombproof. It’s exterior walls are 18″ thick, concrete with granite rocks mixed in. I need to make a rectangular hole, about 5″w x 10″h to allow for some wiring and dryer vent.Hammer drill and good bit stops instantly when it hits a granite stone. Short of a jackhammer, does anyone have a suggestion on getting through? …Doesn’t have to be pretty- I can frame an ugly hole….
Thanks, Hillside
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Diamond core drill.
I'll second Uncle Dunc.
Diamond core bits go through like a hot knife through butter.
water jet
If I recall right it uses 10,000 psi and dumps silica into the water stream. it will cut through tritium like it is butter.
I have seen them used in quarries on granite. It does give you a nice smooth cut.
The only thing is you won’t find one at the corner rent all store.
OK I can't spell, tritium = titanium Make you any happier
Edited 2/9/2003 3:59:55 PM ET by fredsmart
Edited 2/9/2003 4:00:21 PM ET by fredsmart
>> ... it will cut through tritium like it is butter.
Titanium? Tritium is a gas, hydrogen with three neutrons per atom.
Yeah, and you should see how fast it cuts through that tritium! Saw it advertised at Home Depot, think it was made by Ryobi, Nicad batteries, came with safety goggles and a one-size-fits-all rain suit...
Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen, two neutrons and one proton. Of course anything can cut thru tritium like butter. You need more than a rain coat from HD. What do you call a suit that you wear in a radioactive environments?
Tom
What do you call a suit that you wear in a radioactive environments?
Dead skin and burnt flesh!!??
TDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
Well, I'd use an air impact hammer (small version of jackhammer) for that small of a hole if you dont have diamond core drill (used to use them often to install rock bolts in Minuteman silos) , have your grinder nearby for frequent sharpening (I get my hammer drill bits surplus for 25 cents each, probably would eat only one up)
On a walk with the grandkids last week thru a const. site, guy was diamond drilling a 24 inch dia hole (betcha big bucks for that drill) in a 4" thick sewer cassion. Would think you could do that type job faster and a lot cheaper with a sledge, marking pen, and air hammer. (he had to drill 4 lag bolt holes first to attach the big drill)
Most recent hole like yours with air impact was 6 in dia thru 12 " and took about 15 minutes. PS- don't try to get good time with a wootzie compressor for just a nail gun.
Tom: BTW, a rubber or even heavy vinyl raincoat would stop the radiation from Tritium - very low energy alpha particles, but you wouldn't want to inhale any so wear your mask <G>
If it was me, I'd just stand facing the wall, drop my pa...
No... I won't.... say... it.......
Quittin' Time
Me.....I'd use the most important tool I got.....
called a Phone Book.
I'd look up my local diamond blade dist and concrete sawer(Matcon Diamond)......and schedule a time/day for them to come up with what ever saw/drill they deem appropriate they deem necessary.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
gotta do it that way (diamond drill with the 4-pt hold down) for sewer. The rubber boot has to seat good to the concrete, pipe runs into boot. Has to pass a pretty good pressure test when done. Hand chisel would leave too rough an edge.
Plus production time, cheaper to sub. Generally a sewer crew everyone has their place, you leave one guy doing a task like that, your foot/per/hour figures suffer. At usually $350/hr you gotta watch it.
remodeler
C-4
T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
One of them Roto-zips should do it. HA HA HA (just saw a commercial for one. Boy that commercial makes 'em look like the best tool in the world, I hope everyone threw away their circ saw to use a roto.)
On a serious note, core drill. You might be able to rent or borrow a chain saw meant for rocks and cement (yes, they make them)
Can't I go 1 day without spilling my coffee?
LOL
T, I swear, there are times that your tag line is Oh So Appropriate!.
Excellence is its own reward!
Bought a "laser" level for a similar application. Very disappointed.
Kevin Halliburton
Edited 2/10/2003 10:52:30 AM ET by wrecked angle
We frequently sub hole coring in concrete manholes for add'l inverts, etc. Your cost is probably aroujnd $200, their equipment, their labor, done right, I recommend you sub. Mid-sized midwestern town has about 10 outfits that core holes.
remodeler
That's really funny. I like your sense of humour.
Tom
Try the shopping channel for some Ginzu knives.
Do a Google search for a "Partner K3600" Ringsaw. Ran across it looking for something else and had never seen one before.
It's worth a look for any tool hound.
Oh, and it would cut through your wall (and your bank account).
Jules Quaver for President 2004
In the words of my beloved hero Jimmy Walker........ "DYNOMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITE!"